In the Eucharistic Letter, Medaille writes as if he is certain that God wanted him to work for the establishment of an Institute totally empty of self. This institute became CSJ for all of us. In Greek, the word for “self-emptying” is KENOSIS. In Scripture, St. Paul suggests that Jesus emptied himself of his own agenda to accept The Divine Love’s desires and hopes. Philippians 2:7 proclaims that Jesus, the human face of the Divine Love, did not rely only on his divinity but totally embraced his humanness. Jesus, Divine and Human, chose the privilege of being human to meet each day with the beauty of his vulnerability at its fullest.
Brene Brown, PhD, LMSW is an author that I refer to many times when I need to remind myself of the privilege of what it means to be human. Brown has done extensive research in what it means to be human, empty of self. I offer you a TED Talk featuring Brown and her understanding of the human experience of vulnerability. She suggests that courage, compassion and connection are the foundation of vulnerability. Jesus showed his courage, compassion and connection in every personal encounter he had in his life. Even when Jesus went to prayer, he did not put aside his vulnerability with The Divine Love. The CSJ charism is built upon “self-emptying.” I like to think of this CSJ personality trait as being in touch with my vulnerability of doing something or entering into relationship with The Dear Neighbor where there are no guarantees of success. CSJ is willing to invest in something that may or may not work out. I enter into the experience because the “We” is greater than the “I.” The hope and desire of The Divine Love does not depend upon what I consider “success” but upon courage, compassion and connection.
KENOSIS invites you and me to choose the privilege of being human and rejoice in the vulnerability of our greatest hopes and desires. Enjoy 2020 with this song by JJ Heller entitled “This Year.”